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Date Posted: 21:35:07 12/12/07 Wed
Author: Alan
Subject: Re: The Wolf Man Was Brilliant!
In reply to: Alan, Webmaster of www.horrorwriters.net 's message, "The Wolf Man Was Brilliant!" on 19:04:44 12/11/07 Tue

Greeting to my Online Doppleganger!

"The Wolf Man" WAS brilliant; finely produced, written, directed, performed, and scored. Curt Siodmak crafted a smart screenplay that developes into an almost Grecian tragedy, and producer/director George Waggner guides a very capable cast through what turned out to be the best Universal Horror film of the 1940's.

Some have made a great deal out of how dissimilar Claude Rains and Lon Chaney Jr. were, considering they were supposed to be father and son. I remember one friend I showed the movie to remarked on this and chimed "Momma's Baby, Papa's Maybe!" I've always tried to explain, as patiently as possible, that the younger Talbot had endured a very long self-imposed exile from his family home. And really, Rains is so fine as Sir John that it seems unbecoming to quibble. As for Chaney, he wasn't in the same league as Claude Rains as an actor, IMO, but he captured the pathos of Larry Talbot well, developing from a carefree would-be playboy to an anguished, unwilling killer. Chaney's career arc was unfortunate and undeserved, even given the stories about his drinking and erratic behavior. His biggest problem was being underestimated as an actor because of unfair comparisons to his famous, long-dead father.

As I alluded previously, "The Wolf Man" also boasts a great supporting cast: Bela Lugosi, Maria Ouspenskaya, Warren Williams, Patric Knowles, Ralph Bellamy, and even the reluctant Evelyn Ankers, an attractive and talented actress who made a remarkable impression playing in several of the best horror films of the 40's...and hating every minute of it. The art direction, set design, special effects and music also contribute to making this 1941 classic a stand-out film.

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[> Re: The Wolf Man Was Brilliant! -- Tim, 21:53:30 12/19/07 Wed [1]

I agree that The Wolf Man was a brilliant picture, Alan, and a great portion of the credit for that brilliance must go to its screenwriter, the amazing Curt Siodmak. The Wolf Man established much of the lycanthropic lore that survives to this day, and I consider it to be the finest werewolf film ever made. Of course, the earlier Werewolf of London (one of Rick's favorites, as I recall) is also a gem of a movie, and is too often overlooked by critics and fans alike. But The Wolf Man remains my favorite entry from the werewolf genre.

I also echo your comments about Lon Chaney Jr being an underrated actor. His famous father cast such a long shadow, and the comparisons surely took their toll on the younger Chaney. I sometimes wonder if he would have been better off using his given name of Creighton Chaney, or some other "stage" name, but I imagine the studios preferred to capitalize on the undeniable drawing power of the legendary Lon Chaney moniker.

Tim


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[> [> Re: The Wolf Man Was Brilliant! -- Rick, 22:35:58 12/19/07 Wed [1]


The Wolf Man is a great film in all respects. The 1935 Werewolf of London has a more tepid atmosphere. Dr. Glendon ( Henry Hull ) isn't as warm and likable as Larry Talbot. He's a serious man who is deep into botanical experiments and his beautiful wife Lisa is neglected by him. Valerie Hobson was only 17, but had a mature and elegant look. The great Warner Oland played Dr. Yogami with a mysterious touch. He seems more warm than Glendon at times. One can only feel sorry for the terrible events that befell both men and everyone connected with them.

Henry Hull refused to wear full makeup, where Chaney did. The music score was partially composed by Karl Hajos. The other cues were tracked from the music tapes of The Black Cat ( 1934 ) and The Invisible Man ( 1933 ) composed by Roemheld. You can also hear Tales from the Vienna Woods and Scenes That Are Brightest.



Rick


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